Buff Boks: Springboks show off their six-packs in the gym

Cape Town - If the 2019 Rugby World Cup title came down to a body building contest, the Springboks would be a shoo-in for the Webb Ellis title!

The Springboks went shirtless at a gym session in Japan this week - and a photograph has gone viral on social media.

From the once 'fatties' in the front-row to the hulking outside backs, the Springboks look to be in tip-top shape heading into their opening tournament clash against the All Blacks on Saturday, September 21.

The Springboks have made massive fitness gains under coach Rassie Erasmus - with most players sporting six - or even eight-packs.

The photograph predictably took social media by storm and caught the attention of many, including ex-British & Irish Lions back-rower Stephen Ferris who re-tweeted the photo, saying: "A few half decent rigs... @rugbyworldcupcontenders...? I wouldn't be betting against them anyways."